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Tai Chi

Opening Thoughts…

What is Tai Chi Ch’uan?

Tai Chi means “Great Ultimate”. This refers to the Taoist theory of opposites or Yin and Yang. Yin is soft and receptive, Yang is hard and penetrating. It is the interplay of these two forces that, according to Taoist cosmology, creates the dynamics of nature and life itself.

Ch’uan means “fist” and refers to a martial art.

Generally speaking when people speak of “Tai Chi” they are referring to “Tai Chi Ch’uan”.

 So what is Tai Chi?

Tai Chi is in essence, very simple, yet it is hard to describe. Descriptions limit things - Tai chi is unlimited. What follows are statements that point towards the Tai Chi, but they are not the Tai Chi themselves!

*       Tai Chi is a health exercise. It improves circulation, posture, breathing and balance. It is reputed to slow down the effects of ageing, alleviate joint disorders and promote longevity.

*       Tai Chi is a meditation. The movements are performed very slowly with an attitude of contemplation and awareness in the moment. It slowly and steadily promotes an awareness of spirituality through metaphoric motifs. It is philosophical - but it is not a religion.

*       Tai Chi is a relaxation method. It’s gentle movements help to relieve negative stress and tension and calm the mind. In Tai Chi we learn to let go of worries and fears through the practice of yielding.

*       Tai Chi is an allegorical journey, sometimes referred to as “the Dance of Life”. The practice of Tai Chi is a process of self-discovery, an unravelling of the mystery of being and a return to the source. It is a metaphor that mirrors our everyday lives and teaches us how to live more harmoniously with our fellow beings.

*       Tai Chi is about re-discovering Nature - our own and that of the world we live in.

*       Tai Chi is a healing art. Our intrinsic energy or “Chi” is developed and circulated throughout the body, healing and revitalising us. This energy can be projected to others to help them heal themselves too.

*        Tai Chi is a martial art. It teaches one to defend oneself against negative forces - both inside and outside ourselves. We learn to master our ego and not be drawn into senseless conflict. We expand our awareness to sense potential danger, we learn to be in control not presenting ourselves as easy victims. Tai Chi rejects violence and aggression, seeking always to harmonise with any opposing force, neutralise it and return it to balance. It is by definition a pacifist practice.

Please feel free to ask any questions you may have at any time.

Welcome!                                                                  

N Adams   September 1998   

About Nigel Adams…

Nigel Adams has been practising Yang style long form Tai Chi Ch’uan for sixteen years. He learnt with Jenny and Michael Low in Maidstone and began teaching full-time in September 2001 in the Medway area. His teaching emphasises the meditation and healing aspects of the art rather than the martial art side.

About the classes…

Classes are relaxed, informal and fun. Beginners are welcome and everyone is encouraged to learn at their own pace without competition. Loose comfortable clothing is recommended, as are flat shoes, socks or bare feet. Relaxing music is often used and sitting or prone meditations are incorporated into the classes. Occasional Tai Chi ‘takeaways’ detailing aspects of the art are given out to aid learning between classes.

Contact Nigel.

Monday: AEC beginners class @ Eastgate, Rochester, 11.30 – 1.00 (ring 01634 338429 for details)

AEC Intermediate class @ Eastgate, Rochester, 1.30 – 3.00 (ring 01634 338429 for details)

1900 – 2000 beginners / 2015 – 2145 intermediate @ Gravesend Adult Education Centre, Victoria Centre, Darnley Road, Gravesend (£36/10 classes – to enrol call 01474 534051/01474 534026 - limited places so book early)